GRACE THROUGH THE SPECIAL ONES
“And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” – Matthew 18:5
More than a hundred special children gathered at the air-conditioned chapel of the Archbishop’s Palace in Intramuros, Manila. Wearing color-coded scarves and waving miniature flags, the children sang at the top of their voices, signaling the start of the Mass. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales and two other priests marched in procession to the altar.
The Mass proceeded as usual except for some highlights. The Gospel was acted out so that the children would understand. The songs were sung with action. The Cardinal interrupted his homily several times to give a high-five to a child-man who occupied his chair at the altar while he was giving the homily. The children would unabashedly approach and hug the Cardinal who, through the years, know many of them by name.
This is how a Mass in the Faith and Light Community goes. And this is how grace in the community works. When you get to know the special children and spend time with them, you find the grace to be patient, accepting, humble and simple over time.
It’s exactly the same grace we get when we receive Jesus into our lives.Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
How do you welcome the people with disabilities in your life?
Lord, make me gracious enough to let the little ones, the people with disabilities and those below me in stature, enter my life.
St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr, pray for us.
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